Michigan History

Amazing stories and history from Michigan and the Great Lakes. With this curated board, dive into the rich tapestry of Michigan's past and vibrant social heritage. Explore the stories of the Great Lakes State, from its indigenous roots and fur trading history to its pivotal role in the automotive industry and labor movements. Discover historic landmarks, cultural traditions, influential figures, and snapshots of everyday life that define Michigan's unique identity.
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Heartbreaking tales of victims, survivors, and the fiery collision that forever marked Michigan’s railroads.
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💔 Lives Lost on the Rails: The Wabash Tragedy
Heartbreaking tales of victims, survivors, and the fiery collision that forever marked Michigan’s railroads.
Explore the human stories behind a devastating train collision and its legacy in Michigan’s history.
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Why the 1901 Wabash Disaster Still Haunts Michigan
Explore the human stories behind a devastating train collision and its legacy in Michigan’s history.
The Logging Camps of Elkland Michigan
Author and local historian Mark Putman takes a journey back to the 1800s, an era of the land speculation, logging, and development of Elkland Michigan, and Cass City
Learn how a small Michigan town became the site of one of the country’s worst railway accidents.
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1901 Seneca Train Disaster: A Community’s Sorrow
Learn how a small Michigan town became the site of one of the country’s worst railway accidents.
America’s Forgotten Air Disaster of 1950
Step into history and uncover the eerie details of Flight 2501’s plunge into Lake Michigan—still unsolved today.
This may contain: an image of the infamous train wreck in chicago, illinois that changed michigan railroad forever
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The Inferno That Changed Michigan Railroads Forever
A catastrophic train wreck in 1901 shook the nation. See how this tragedy influenced railway safety reforms.
Inside the Creepy Abandoned Mansion Of Michigan Governor Albert Sleeper
Albert E. Sleeper, a prominent figure in Michigan history, served as governor from 1917-1921 and left a lasting impact. He was instrumental in establishing the State Police of Michigan and the Michigan State Park System. The Albert E. Sleeper House, built in 1917, holds historical significance. Despite its current state of disuse, Sleeper's legacy endures in Michigan's parks and history.
Tashmoo Park – The Fascinating 50-Year History of Detroit’s Playground on Harsens Island
Tashmoo Park, was located on Harsens Island in the St. Clair River Flats. It was a beloved entertainment venue known for its large picnics, simple rides, nearby grand hotels, and notable visitors. Established in 1897, the park's peak years spanned from the early 1900s to the late 1920s. The park eventually declined due to the automobile, social, and wartime challenges, but remains an integral part of Michigan's history. Today, remnants of the park can be found at Tashmoo Marina. The park's hi...
R. L. Gillingham Fish Company – Surprising Insights of Commerical Fishing at Bay Port 1896-1978
The R.L. Gillingham Fish Company, established in 1886, played a key role in Bay Port, Michigan's development as a major commercial fishing port. Overcoming setbacks like a fire and economic challenges, the company left a lasting legacy. Today, its influence is evident in the Bay Port Historic Commercial Fishing District.
The Amazing History of Michigan’s Sebewaing Brewing Company
Sebewaing Brewing Company was a local Michigan beer company that served the Michigan Thumb market. The brewery operated from 1880 to 1966. Today the cans, labels and paraphernalia are collectors’ items.
Celebrating Michigan Log Cabin Day – A Quirky Heritage of Blacksmiths, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, a...
Venture into Michigan's heartland this June, as we journey back in time to celebrate the state's unique heritage. Hear the echo of hammers, smell the pancakes sizzling, and be part of Michigan's Log Cabin Day—a celebration as vibrant and deep-seated as the spirit of Michigan itself.
What Is Michigan Known For? – 41 Unbelievable Trivia Tidbits
We found this set of amazing little tidbits of obscure trivia on what Michigan is known for in the automotive, shipping and transportation area. We are always hunting for others Michigan trivia, so I expect this list to grow well beyond these.
Michigan’s Shore Indian Trail – Hull’s Trace & War of 1812
The Shore Indian trail was one of the five major routes of land travel leading out of Detroit and one best known to the early settlers. The trail begins from the rapids of the Maumee River to Toledo. It played a major role during the War of 1812.
The Forlorn Pere Marquette Depot of Harbor Beach
In 1878, the Port Huron and Northwestern Railroad extended track from Port Huron to Sand Beach, aiding local economy. The railroad was crucial for transporting goods and later converted to standard gauge. Accidents and declining use led to discontinuation of rail services in 1995, with the historic depot repurposed for lodging.